Algerian diplomat Rahabi explains Russian veto on Western Sahara
Former minister Abdelaziz Rahabi criticizes US attempts to reduce MINURSO's role and shift focus from Sahrawi people.
Former Algerian minister Abdelaziz Rahabi stated that Russia's veto on a Western Sahara resolution on October 30th reflects its impatience with American unilateralism. Rahabi said those who supported Morocco must take responsibility for the new situation of the MINURSO mission, which he insists Morocco does not control.
Rahabi explained that the US resolution aimed to make Moroccan autonomy the sole negotiation basis and to reclassify Sahrawis as refugees. He noted this is the first time Russia has voted on the Sahrawi issue after eight years of abstention, viewing it as a response to US attempts to bypass established responsibilities.
The diplomat suggested that, following UN practice, the General Assembly should now debate the issue since Russia exercised its veto power. Rahabi believes the US strategy in Western Sahara mirrors its approach in Gaza, disregarding historical context and the interests of neighboring states like Algeria and Mauritania.
Why it mattersAlgeria, as a neighboring observer state, is directly affected by the strategic implications of the UN Security Council's actions regarding the Western Sahara conflict.